Police Seek More From Letter Writer

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM  Thursday, 10 November 2011 15:45

RCMP can't say if a letter from someone who claims to have killed Armstrong teen Taylor Van Diest, is authentic.  The letter was received at the Armstrong RCMP detachment on Wednesday.  Cpl Dan Moskaluk told a Vernon news conference, details about how it was sent, and its  contents, are not being released.  "We can state that the letter contains limited information regarding the details of this crime, and as a result, we are unable to confirm if the letter was written by the perpetrator." Moskaluk says they would like to hear from the writer again, saying police want to create a dialogue to prevent further violence.  "The investigators have combed through this letter and they feel its very important that it be examined very carefully, and the investigators would like the writer to contact them." Moskaluk says that could be by phone, email, a new tip line, or another letter. The writer warned of further violence against women in the region, and the public is advised to take extra safety precautions. Moskaluk was not releasing any details of the letter.  "We have not released any information with respect to the conveyance of this letter, how it was brought to the detachment, its format or its content."  The corporal says they still have no suspects in the killing of Van Diest.  The 18 year old died shortly after being severely beaten and left unconscious near some railway tracks, on Halloween night.  Armstrong councillor and PVSS teacher Paul Britton says he hopes the letter can help police find a suspect. "The first thing I thought of was that I was hoping this could be the break in the case that the RCMP had been waiting for. I was hoping they could get some information from the letter that could lead to an arrest." Britton says they've been telling their students to be cautious, and to walk in groups, as there is still a danger.  Police are meeting with community leaders today to update them on the investigation. Armstrong councillor Kelly Rowe, says she and her two daughters, are taking precautions, with the case unsolved.  "I've always taken the girls to school in the morning, but quite often they would walk homes with friends or partially by themselves, but there's just no way that's happening right now." Rowe says she leaves work early to get her children who aren't allowed on the street, without her.